It’s been almost a year since Spears last toured. Last year, she endured a grueling schedule, performing the North American side of the Atlantic for most of the year before crossing over to Europe, where she played for a few more months.

She’s spent most of 2001 working on her third album. The still-untitled disc is scheduled for a November 6 release and features a track with backing vocals by her boyfriend, Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC.

Reality TV veterans O-Town have been moving beyond their “Making the Band” image with constant touring. The boys have been on a North American summer tour that included a nearly sold-out Canadian leg.

Between now and the start of Britney’s tour, the group is headlining shows at fairs, amphitheatres and a few clubs.